The Other Side of the Tracks

Jim Leffel

Luke 15:1-7

As persecution increases, Saul of Tarsus enters the scene as a great enemy of Christians. Philip goes to proclaim the message of Christ in Samaria, bridging a cultural gap made from 1000 years of enmity and prejudice. We can also bridge the gaps in our culture, reaching those in our community with whom we are not naturally connected. \r\n\r\n

Courage of Conviction

Jim Leffel

Acts 3-4

Peter and John heal a lame beggar and are arrested by the Jewish leaders, but refuse to stop proclaiming the message of Christ because they know it to be true. We are motivated in our spiritual lives by the core convictions we hold. These convictions are: 1) based upon what God has already done, 2) persuaded by His Word, and 3) result in taking action. We should strive to cultivate spiritual convictions in our lives.

Multiplication in an Urban Context

Scott Arnold

Jeremiah 17:9

Multiplication within an urban context is a unique goal that has its own breadth and depth of challenges. Barriers to people accomplishing functional and spiritual goals can run incredibly deep as we consider the potential lack of helpful family support, negative examples, the stigma of success, lack of funds, and transportation. Discipleship is still the goal to strive for, so we must recognize and consider practical steps to the unique challenges presented. Some of these suggestions include being honest and open about our own struggles, teaching them to distrust themselves, studying God's faithfulness and goodness, and both praying and going with them to help resolve conflict with other Christians.

What Do You Want?

Ruth W

1 Corinthians 10:1-13

Where will we set our hearts and minds - on God, or on our flesh? Paul uses the 40 year journey of the Israelites in the desert to demonstrate what it looks like when we lack faith and lose focus. Paul then uses the image of an athlete to show what it looks like for a Christian to have discipline and endurance with their sights on the prize. Choosing the right focus affects every area of our lives.

Entering the Fray

Jim Leffel

2 Timothy 2:3-7

Paul asks Timothy to consider moving deeper into complicated relationships with the message of God. With this example, we're challenged to have a radical others-centered focus, while taking a sober look at what the world is truly like.

God's Amazing Call

Jim Leffel

2 Timothy 1:8-18

God has called, set apart, and entrusted Christians with the task of loving and reconciling people to God through Jesus. Here, the apostle Paul writes to Timothy to encourage him to persevere in leading for Christ in this way amid challenging circumstances.

Rekindling the Fire

Jim Leffel

2 Timothy 1:1-7

The apostle Paul encourages Timothy in his effort to lead the church in Ephesus by reminding him of the gift of Christ's forgiveness, and the God-given abilities to accomplish His purposes. By not neglecting these gifts and moving forward, Christians can cultivate genuine spiritual excitement and vitality. Includes information from "Spiritual Leadership" by Oswald Sanders.

Live with the End in Mind

Jim Leffel

Job 42:7-10

James encourages his readers to have patience and strengthen their hearts as they wait for the coming of the Lord Jesus. This view of history differs significantly from the view that man's journey in life and all history ends in ultimate meaninglessness. James provides three profiles of patience required for living with the end in mind: 1) the farmer who waits and strengthens his heart; 2) the prophet who speaks faithfully for the Lord; and 3) Job who showed endurance and saw the Lord's compassion and mercy.\r\n

Finishing Well

Don Dixon

Randy Jones

Job 42:7-10

A God-centered life presents optimism and meaning, and stands opposed to the pointless tendency of a self-centered life. By drawing near to God, Christians can be effective servants for Him, even through suffering and life changes. With Christ, believers can have hope for their futures and eternity.